Gaidam calls for deployment of high-resolution drones to boost police intelligence gathering

Gaidam calls for deployment of high-resolution drones to boost police intelligence gathering

The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has reiterated the need for the deployment of high-resolution drones across Nigeria to strengthen intelligence gathering and stay ahead of emerging security threats.

Gaidam made the call in Abuja during the public presentation of a book titled Articles on Policy Dissemination: Navigating the Management Decision on Issues, authored by Mr. Bolaji Oladimeji Kazeem, Deputy Director/Head of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry. His remarks were delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ogbonnaya Nnia.

According to the Minister, adopting advanced drone technology will significantly enhance the Nigeria Police Force’s capability to monitor criminal activities—including banditry, kidnapping, illegal mining, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity—across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He urged federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector partners, to collaborate in procuring the equipment, stressing that improved synergy is essential for modern policing.

Gaidam noted that the Ministry of Police Affairs has already strengthened intelligence-sharing frameworks among security agencies, helping to eliminate isolated operations and encouraging collective action. He highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) and Interpol’s 24/7 platform as key steps toward a more efficient information-sharing culture.

“These initiatives have exposed existing gaps in the nation’s intelligence-sharing ecosystem,” he said. “There is a pressing need for deeper cooperation and collaboration to safeguard our country.”

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to implementing reforms aimed at re-equipping, retraining, and motivating police personnel, thereby enhancing professionalism, operational efficiency, and adherence to the rule of law.

He referenced two recently signed laws—the Nigeria Police Training Institutions (Establishment) Act and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Amendment) Act—which provide frameworks for continuous police training, sustainable funding, improved public trust, and stronger law enforcement ethics.

Gaidam also commended stakeholders across the policing ecosystem for their roles in developing the bills, describing the outcome as a collective achievement.

In his remarks, the author, Mr. Bolaji Oladimeji Kazeem, said the book was inspired by his commitment to highlighting, analyzing, and critiquing government policies while showcasing the contributions of the Information Cadre to national development.

Similarly, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun—represented by AIG Victor Olaiya of Zone 7—praised the author for curating a resource that supports effective policy development and administrative excellence.

“At a time when clarity in communication and precision in policy direction are critical to national governance, this publication is both timely and impactful,” the IGP noted. He added that effective policy dissemination is central to enhancing internal police administration, strengthening institutional efficiency, and deepening public trust.

The event attracted senior government officials, security stakeholders, and practitioners in public administration.